Obituary for Lillie Cates
Lillie Jean Cates, 80, of Russellville, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023. Lillie went surrounded by her family and holding the hand of her husband of 64 years. She was born on August 11, 1942 to Samuel and Cora Knifong.
Lillie grew up with a large family in Raspberry Knob Arkansas. On August 15, 1958, at the age of 16, she married her husband Loyd Cates. Their honeymoon was to a drive-in movie to watch Jail House Rock. They had two sons, Everett and Ronnie Cates. They later adopted Samantha and Jeremy Cates. Lillie was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, baptized on February 22, 1969. Lillie felt that it was her purpose in life to share the truth with everyone she met. She had a love for flower gardening but most of all she loved her grandchildren. Lillie was everyone’s Granny.
She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Emma, Kenneth, Junior, Oleta, Ena, Mary, and Virgil.
She is survived by her husband Loyd and four children, Everett Cates and wife, Donna Cates, Ronnie Cates, Samantha Deen and husband, Allan Deen, Jeremy Cates and wife, Brittnee Cates. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brandon, Candace, Gunner, Lacee, Delilah, Noah, Mia, John, and Ella.
Lillie will be remembered most for her strong faith, spunky attitude, and life long love of her husband Loyd. A private service will be held for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to jw.org.
Lillie grew up with a large family in Raspberry Knob Arkansas. On August 15, 1958, at the age of 16, she married her husband Loyd Cates. Their honeymoon was to a drive-in movie to watch Jail House Rock. They had two sons, Everett and Ronnie Cates. They later adopted Samantha and Jeremy Cates. Lillie was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, baptized on February 22, 1969. Lillie felt that it was her purpose in life to share the truth with everyone she met. She had a love for flower gardening but most of all she loved her grandchildren. Lillie was everyone’s Granny.
She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Emma, Kenneth, Junior, Oleta, Ena, Mary, and Virgil.
She is survived by her husband Loyd and four children, Everett Cates and wife, Donna Cates, Ronnie Cates, Samantha Deen and husband, Allan Deen, Jeremy Cates and wife, Brittnee Cates. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brandon, Candace, Gunner, Lacee, Delilah, Noah, Mia, John, and Ella.
Lillie will be remembered most for her strong faith, spunky attitude, and life long love of her husband Loyd. A private service will be held for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to jw.org.